1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Recent Examples of alchemy
With influences ranging from Old Hollywood to Pink Floyd, the project is proof positive of the duo’s creative alchemy.
—Rob Ledonne, Vogue, 3 July 2025
There is of course something to be said for that kind of magical alchemy in a pop band.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
There's a little bit of alchemy — the right role with the right character with the right people with the right story to tell.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Instead of alchemy, scientists used the world’s largest particle accelerator to crash beams of lead ions into each other at near-light speed.
—George Petras, USA Today, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Rob Ledonne, Vogue, 3 July 2025
There is of course something to be said for that kind of magical alchemy in a pop band.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
There's a little bit of alchemy — the right role with the right character with the right people with the right story to tell.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Instead of alchemy, scientists used the world’s largest particle accelerator to crash beams of lead ions into each other at near-light speed.
—George Petras, USA Today, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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But even as the Surrealists were experimenting with ritual and divination in the face of horror, the Nazis also embraced occultism, with its secret and hierarchical rituals of power.—
Celia Bell
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
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In modern pop culture, vampires have strayed away from occultism and are often depicted through a Christian lens, being repelled by crucifixes and sunlight.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Doing a magic show without magic gives Open a way of cutting the Gordian knot of the genre’s self-awareness.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
22 July 2025
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Even a 99% eclipse leaves the dazzling solar disk exposed, and the magic of the corona — the sun's ghostly outer atmosphere — is lost.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Both ancient and modern pieces are curated into exhibits about sorcery, motherhood, or high-fashion gowns.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
17 Apr. 2025
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His putting is and will always be capable of sorcery.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Magic and witchcraft were lifelong fascinations for Leland.—
Angelica Frey,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Apr. 2025
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Single women—more likely, naturally, to be seduced by the devil—were disproportionately executed for witchcraft.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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After a long search, HBO has found a trio of young actors to play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in its upcoming TV series about the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
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Cera had reportedly been considered for the role of Jacob Kowalski, a Muggle factory worker who is introduced to the world of wizardry by protagonist Newt Scamander (Redmayne).—
Daysia Tolentino,
EW.com,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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